Andorra introduces new animal welfare and breeding laws

The Government of Andorra has presented a new animal welfare bill aimed at professionalizing animal breeding and combating illegal trafficking. The legislation establishes that breeding is a commercial activity that can only be conducted in authorized establishments subject to strict controls and adequate facilities.

To prevent the rise of clandestine markets, the law prohibits the online purchase of animals, requiring sales to be conducted in person at authorized locations with full transparency regarding the animal's origin and health status. While sporadic breeding by individuals is permitted, the sale of such animals is prohibited; they may only be gifted or ceded, provided they are identified and meet sanitary obligations. The government intends to monitor recurrent breeding by individuals to prevent unauthorized commercial activity.

The bill also introduces significant financial penalties for non-compliance. Fines for minor offenses can reach 500 euros, serious offenses up to 5,000 euros, and very serious infractions up to 15,000 euros. This measure is designed to deter illegal profit from unauthorized breeding and opaque internet sales.